Meditating on Spiritual and Physical Sustainability with The Prolific Cocoon and the Lomography Simple Use Camera

We recently collaborated with The Prolific Cocoon, a community-based organization whose focus is on supporting people of all ages that may be working through the uncertainty that comes with life transitions.

In spirit of their mission for a sustainable lifestyle, both symbolically and literally, we sent them a Simple Use Film Camera to document their latest event — a clothing swap!

Today TPC's President, Natalie Sarai Gray, is with us to discuss the recent event and The Prolific Cocoon's message, alongside collages made by their Creative Director, Kendra Caniggia, using our camera.

Hi Natalie and welcome to Lomography Magazine! Could you please start off by telling us a bit about yourself and the concept of The Prolific Cocoon?

Blessings, Lomography! I’m Natalie Sarai Gray, proudly rooted in the 818 (San Fernando Valley). A bit about me: I’m deeply passionate about people and committed to fostering meaningful connections. As a multi-disciplinary leader and the founder of The Prolific Cocoon, my mission is to empower individuals to embrace their true power and purpose, move beyond the confines of isolation, and discover a profound sense of belonging in this world.

The Prolific Cocoon is more than just a space; it’s an intimately creative sanctuary. Here, we come together to nurture, protect, and support one another through transformative life transitions. Our community is a safe haven where individuals can feel secure, be heard, and experience growth. It’s a place where they can openly express their pain, triumphs, and journeys through creativity and genuine connection.

We are dedicated to bridging generations through creativity, business, faith, generosity, and community. Our goal is to meet people where they are and guide them on their journey from the cocoon to the butterfly, helping them soar into their fullest divine purpose.

Can you tell us about your recent clothing swap and how it aligns with the vision behind your community?

Our clothing swap slogan is give, take, and receive. We truly believe the exchange of clothes (for free) brings people together and unites individuals from different backgrounds in a shared activity. It nurtures community bonds, supports sustainability by promoting reuse of clothing, and protects the environment by reducing waste.

Clothing swaps can be a symbolic or literal way of transitioning, whether it's changing personal style, embracing a new phase in life, or supporting those going through changes. This aligns well with the mission and movement of supporting transformative transitions.

What did you decide to shoot with the Simple Use Camera ?

My team and I truly believe in bridging generations through creativity, business, faith, generosity and community. Our clothing swaps often involve people of different ages — as you see in our photos. I wanted to capture every age difference present, as we bridge generations together. I made sure we captured the joy, strength, and power embodied when we give, take, and receive.

Nowadays, our internal beings often do not allow us to receive full-heartedly because we believe the giver wants something in exchange. It was important for me that we saw intergenerational exchange through the Simple Use Camera. Above all, I wanted to capture the moments of joy our team received from blessing others without expecting anything in return.

Why is sustainability important to your work with the Prolific Cocoon?

Sustainability is crucial to The Prolific Cocoon for several reasons. We value protecting the environment, and sustainability is a key component of that. We believe we have been trusted to govern here on earth and it is a gift to steward what we are given. As we promote clothing swaps, we reduce waste and decrease demand for new clothing, leaving our mark and protecting individuals and the planet.

Emphasizing sustainability reflects a commitment to social responsibility, ensuring that our actions today do not harm future generations. As we reuse we can also empower individuals through transformative transitions, particularly for those who may be in economic transitions or seeking to live more frugally.

Overall, sustainability encourages community involvement and collective action. Through active events like our clothing swaps, we foster a sense of shared responsibility and collaboration, reinforcing the values of community and interconnectedness that the Prolific Cocoon upholds.

What are your hopes for the future of the Prolific Cocoon?

I hope and believe that The Prolific Cocoon continues to grow as a hub for community engagement. I believe we will become a beacon of resources and programs that reach individuals of all walks of life. Fostering deeper connections with one's purpose. Bridging generations, cultures, and backgrounds through creativity, business, faith, generosity, and community.

I envision The Prolific Cocoon becoming a leader in transformative programs (workshops) for both men and women that offer holistic support to individuals during their transformative transitions. Whether that be through creative outlets, business mentoring, life-coaching, mental health resource, or faith-based guidance, I want our community to feel empowered to embrace change, grow, and thrive in every aspect of their lives.

I will see the day the Prolific Cocoon partners with like-minded organizations, artists, and businesses to create innovative projects that blend creativity, community, faith, generosity, and sustainability. These collaborations could lead to unique events, programs, or assistance that embody our mission and value.

I aspire for The Prolific Cocoon to influence cultural and ethical practices within and beyond our immediate community. By promoting inclusivity, ethical consumption, and creative expression. I hope we can inspire a shift towards a more compassionate, conscious, and connected world.

Anything else you'd like to share?

My heart has always believed The Prolific Cocoon will leave a lasting legacy of positive change, a sense of belonging, a safe space for our future nieces, nephews, and even children. I want our efforts to create a ripple effect to remind people together we are better. As we unite, we can conquer. I want to inspire future generations to carry forward the values of unity, creativity, sustainability, faith, generosity, and community that are at the heart of everything we do.

Last, but not least, I would love to one day host an event in NYC with my team and have Lomography partner with us in unity, community, and creativity. Together we are better.

Thank you for holding this space. I believe people are waiting across every nation for an organization like TPC, yearning to be heard, understood, and seen. The Prolific Cocoon is here for you. Thank you Lomography for highlighting the team and I, and for seeing our creativity through your lens.

If you're interested in keeping up with the Prolific Cocoon and their mission of sustainability and community, make sure to follow their Instagram and website.

written by eloffreno on 2024-09-09 #gear #culture #people #community #documentary #photo-diary #suc #simple-use #small-businesses